The meaning of Lupus:
The name "lupus" comes from the Latin meaning wolf and refers to the Erythematous red ulcerations on the face also known as the butterfly rash. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) did not acquire its name until the middle of the 19th century.
The name "lupus" comes from the Latin meaning wolf and refers to the Erythematous red ulcerations on the face also known as the butterfly rash. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) did not acquire its name until the middle of the 19th century.
What is Lupus:
What is Lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body reacts against its own tissue. Lupus causes inflammation in different parts of the body. Inflammation is a process that shows up as heat, pain, swelling or redness. The inflammation you may experience can also cause damage to major organs such as the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain.
Did You Know? Fast Facts.
What is Lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, a condition in which the body reacts against its own tissue. Lupus causes inflammation in different parts of the body. Inflammation is a process that shows up as heat, pain, swelling or redness. The inflammation you may experience can also cause damage to major organs such as the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain.
Did You Know? Fast Facts.
- An estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus.
- 90% of those with lupus are women in child bearing years.
- 10% of those suffering with lupus are MEN. That means in the US alone, approximately 150,000 MEN are suffering with lupus.
- Causes in lupus are unknown; scientists believe that environment, hormones, and genetics are involved.
- Lupus occurs two to three times more frequently among African American, Asians, Hispanics, Latinos, and Native Americans than among Caucasians.
- No two people with lupus have the same set of symptoms or disease course.
- Lupus can be difficult to diagnose- and there is no definitive test for lupus.
The different types of Lupus.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus also known as SLE:
SLE is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system that is design to protect the body from infections, mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This can cause many diverse symptoms within the body and may damage the affected parts of the body. SLE is the most common form of lupus and can affect major organs such as the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, skin and brain.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
(DLE) is a chronic skin condition of sores with inflammation and scarring favoring the face, ears, and scalp. These lesions develop as a red, inflamed patch with a scaling and crusty appearance.
Drug Induced Lupus:
DIL is an autoimmune disorder caused by chronic use of certain medications. There are several medications that can cause DIL such as hydralazine, procainamide, and isoniazid, just to name a few. (If you are on any of these medications and think you are experiencing lupus symptoms consult with your doctor).
Neonatal Lupus:
This is a rare autoimmune disorder that is present at birth. Affected infants often develop a characteristic of lupus red rash or skin eruption. (need more information)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus also known as SLE:
SLE is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system that is design to protect the body from infections, mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This can cause many diverse symptoms within the body and may damage the affected parts of the body. SLE is the most common form of lupus and can affect major organs such as the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, skin and brain.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus:
(DLE) is a chronic skin condition of sores with inflammation and scarring favoring the face, ears, and scalp. These lesions develop as a red, inflamed patch with a scaling and crusty appearance.
Drug Induced Lupus:
DIL is an autoimmune disorder caused by chronic use of certain medications. There are several medications that can cause DIL such as hydralazine, procainamide, and isoniazid, just to name a few. (If you are on any of these medications and think you are experiencing lupus symptoms consult with your doctor).
Neonatal Lupus:
This is a rare autoimmune disorder that is present at birth. Affected infants often develop a characteristic of lupus red rash or skin eruption. (need more information)
Lupus Symptoms:
No two people with lupus have the same set of symptoms or disease course. Here is a list of some of the symptoms associated with lupus.
No two people with lupus have the same set of symptoms or disease course. Here is a list of some of the symptoms associated with lupus.
- Fever, with no known cause
- Arthritis (swollen & painful joints, usually not crippling)
- Rashes, usually on face (this rash is often known as the Butterfly Rash) and rashes on the neck
- Inflammation of the chest or heart lining (known as pleuritis or pericarditis; can cause chest pain)
- Thinning hair, or hair loss
- Sun Sensitivity
- Mouth, scalp or nose sores
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Swollen glands
- Anemia
- Oral ulcers
- Kidney disorder (renal problems confirmed by lab test of the urine)
- Central nervous system/neurologic problems (including a wide range of symptoms including but not limited to confusion and memory loss, seizures, and paralysis)
The content provided on BOFE Lupus Foundation Inc, website is for informational purposes only and is NOT in any way to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a physician with any medical questions pertaining to Lupus.
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